Home Blood Pressure Monitoring Should Be Improved in Croatia

Objective: Home blood pressure monitoring (HBPM) serves as a self-monitoring tool recommended by ESH guidelines for long-term follow-up of treated hypertension. This study aimed to evaluate standpoints on the usage of HBPM monitors in the general adult population. Design and method: This study comprised 1779 individuals (a random sample of the general adult population in Croatia included in the ’Epidemiology of Hypertension in Croatia -2’ project). Participants were administered a questionnaire about the possession of BP monitors for home BP measurement and various socioeconomic factors. Results: Out of 1779 participants, 1173 (65.9%) have a device for HBPM. The prevalence of those who possess a BP monitor within different categories of the average monthly income is: 354 (30.2%) earn less than €326; 234 (19.9%) earn between €326–€465; 253 (21.6%) earn €465–€649 and 332 (28.3%) earn more than €649. The majority of subjects have not shown devices to physicians or nurses (70.5%). Only 65.1% used a device validated according to an established protocol; 231 (27.2%) used a non-validated device; 55 (6.5%) did not know and 10 (1.2%) used mercury sphygmomanometers. A total of 713 individuals answered the question covering the reasons for choosing a specific BP monitor; 63 (8.8%) of them bought a device on physician or nurse's suggestion; 180 (25,2%) on pharmacists’ suggestion while 333 (46.7%) independently selected the device. Conclusions: A high proportion of the general population in Croatia have their own devices for HBPM. However, not validated devices are still used too frequently, and patients very seldom discuss devices with physicians. Our results confirmed earlier observations that there is an urgent need for increased awareness and education. Physicians, nurses, and pharmacists could exert a more substantial influence on this crucial method for BP measurement.